USA Cycling announced yesterday the 12 teams registered as UCI Continental Teams in the United States, as well as the two U.S.-based squads registered as UCI Women’s Teams for the 2012 racing season. The number of Canadians on these teams has dropped substantially, as the U.S. institutes rules to increase American content, such as the 50% under 28 years of age and 60% American riders regulations for men's Continental teams. Canadians have also been affected by the drop in the number of teams and amalgamation of teams due to the economy and lack of sponsors.

The 12 Continental Teams are in addition to the two U.S.-based UCI ProTeams (BMC Racing, and Garmin-Cervelo) and the two Professional Continental Teams (Team Type 1-Sanof and UnitedHealthCare Pro Cycling Team) previously announced by the UCI. This means that all together, the United States houses 16 professional men’s cycling teams recognized by the UCI.